Broad Channel Bits

By Liz Guarino

August is rapidly passing. Before the summer is gone, we do have the rest of this month and, of course, Mardi Gras weekend to enjoy. Partially due to the hurricane and partly because we have been fortunate, it has been a fairly nice month-with no power failures and thankfully no sweltering days!

All American Dogs said that their Bingo at the North Channel Yacht Club was a great success. Over 125 people played Bingo. All American Dogs said the turnout was “beyond all expectation!” They said they are selling tickets to the $10,000 Giveaway and also encourage everyone to come out to the Carnival from Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22. Come out, have a good time-and don’t forget to enjoy the games and pump up the coffers of BCVFD!

Grassy’s will be very busy with upcoming events sponsoring Brian for Mayor in Mardi Gras 2004. Every Thursday from now until the end of summer Grassy’s will be serving

dinner. Free delivery, Eat in or take out. Call 718 474-1688 for weekly dinners, delivery. Proceeds for all of these events will go to BCVFD!

On Friday, August 20 there will be a Toga Party at Grassy’s with live D.J. There is a $5 cover charge, but admission is Free if you wear a Toga. There will be Raffles, 50/50 and Jello Shots.

On Saturday August 21 there will be Mexican Night at Grassy’s. There will be Corona Specials all night long.

They will also be selling tacos and nachos.

On Wednesday, August 25 there will be a Doubles Pool Tournament at Grassy’s.

On Friday, August 27 enjoy “Two” groups will play at Grassy’s-there will be Live Music All Night Long! The cover charge will be $7. Live music by Chris Long and Kevin Trudden followed by Thin Black Tie!

A Texas Hold ‘em Tournament will be held at the American Legion Hall on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21. Sign up at 6 p.m.; game begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are going fast-don’t risk getting left out by waiting until the last minute to get yours! Chances on the $10,000 Giveaway cost $100 each. To get tickets, call Ginger at 718 318-5504. Drawing will be at the firehouse on Friday night, September 3. There is over $14,000 in prizes.

BCAC is forming soccer teams. There will be a co-ed team for 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls, and a team for 5th and 6th grade girls and a 7th and 8th grade girls team. Anyone interested in joining can call Jo at 718 474-8207, Toni at 718 945-3452 or Nancy at 718 945-0239. Soccer starts the beginning of September.

The last summer Book Discussion will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 10 a.m. Under discussion will be a novel called, “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin.

On Sunday, August 22 at noon at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge there will be a NYC Audubon Shorebird Workshop. Don Riepe, Guardian of Jamaica Bay will lead this workshop to view plovers, peeps and other shorebirds. Participants should wear waterproof boots and bring binoculars. Reservations are required. Call 718 318-4340 for more information.

A Late Summer Wildflower Walk will be held on Sunday, August 29 at 10 a.m. in the Wildlife Refuge. This walk will be led by a ranger. Goldenrod, asters and other species will be studied. Pollination of these as well as insect/plant interactions of other types will be presented. Reservations are required; call 718 318-4340.

Sunset Picnic Concert Series are held in Fort Tilden on the parade ground every summer. The next and final concert will be held on Sunday, August 22 at 6 p.m. and will be Legends of Rock and Roll, with The Platters. Call 718 474-6760 for more information on the concert series and the indoor rain location.

On Wednesday, August 25 St. Virgilius Golden Age and Rosary Altar Society will host a Bus Trip to Trump Marina in Atlantic City.

St. Virgilius P.A. asks people to save Campbell labels, Box Tops for Education and other proofs of purchase over the summer months and bring them to the school office in September or drop them in the box in the rear of St. Virgilius Church. Computer people: Empty ink cartridges from your printer are POP’s too.

Put them in a plastic bag before bringing them to the school office next month.

RAA’s A Perfect 10: Anniversary Member Exhibition at Fort Tilden in sTudio 6, features the work of local artists. The exhibit will close on Sunday, August 29. The gallery is open to the public and there is no charge for viewing the artworks. Gallery hours on Saturdays are from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. For further information call RAA at 718 474-0861 or email them at: rockart116@ aol.com.

Butterflies will be the subject of a Video Teleconference from the Indianapolis Zoo which can be seen at the Library on Tuesday, August 31 at 1 p.m. Learn about the life cycles, colorations and survival of butterflies at this event. Perfect for children ages 5 to 11!

By now, almost everyone has heard that we are losing the two lovely ladies who have superbly staffed our Library almost since its existence on Broad Channel soil. Linda and Kathy are both retiring next month, much to the chagrin of some residents and probably the Queensborough Library, as well. Many of us will miss their extensive knowledge, ready expertise, ever-present kindness and bright, happy smiles. They will leave our little Library on Friday, September 17. We have been very, very fortunate to have had these two women for all these years!

Mardi Gras happening?

Other important event?

Share the news with your neighbors. (Please get your important information to me by 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning if you need it in that Friday’s column.)